Miami vs Tampa

Florida Restricted | Florida Legal with Permit

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Miami, Florida
Status Restricted
Permit Fee $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee
Tax Rate 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual (city); Biennial (state)
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement
Tampa, Florida
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required
Tax Rate ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction

Tampa has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee for STR licensing, while Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required. Miami renewal is annual (city); biennial (state), and Tampa renewal is annual. Overall, Tampa has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Miami (Restricted).

Tax Obligations

In Miami, hosts pay 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax). In Tampa, hosts pay ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Miami face penalties including $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. In Tampa, violations can result in Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Miami Overview

STRs restricted to commercially zoned or mixed-use areas. Single-family residential neighborhoods generally prohibit STRs. State preemption law limits some local regulations. Both city Certificate of Use and state DBPR license required.

Contact: Miami Planning & Zoning — (305) 416-1400

Full Miami guide →

Tampa Overview

No city-specific STR ordinance — state DBPR license and county Business Tax Receipt are primary requirements. Florida's 2011 preemption law limits local restrictions. STRs generally allowed in commercial and mixed-use zones.

Contact: Tampa Land Development Coordination — (813) 274-3100

Full Tampa guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Miami or Tampa?
Miami is classified as "Restricted" while Tampa is "Legal with Permit." Miami's permit fee is $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee compared to $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required in Tampa. Overall, Tampa has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Miami or Tampa?
Miami charges 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax), while Tampa charges ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax).
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Miami: $20,000 lien per violation by code enforcement. Tampa: Daily compounding fines for violations; amounts vary by infraction. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Miami and Tampa have day limits for Airbnb?
Miami has no annual day limit. Tampa has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Miami or Tampa?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Miami charges $150 city certificate + state DBPR license fee for permits with 13% (6% state + 5% county tourist dev. + 2% city resort tax) in taxes. Tampa charges $50 DBPR application + $170/year state license; county Business Tax Receipt required with ~13.5% combined (6% county tourist dev. + 6% state sales + 1.5% surtax). Automatic tax collection in Miami and Tampa makes compliance easier for beginners.